Awata Festival

Located in the south part of Kyoto, Awata Shrine was reported to Emperor in Heian Era (about 794 - 1185). The deities that this shrine is dedicated to are “Susanowonomikoto” and “Oonamuchinomikoto”. They have been revered by local people as departure patron through the ages.
Awata Festival, known as the biggest festival of this shrine, consists of five Shinto ritual and events. After being held Oide Festival, Yowatari Shinji (Shinto ritual) will be held next day. In this Shinto ritual, group of...more people who hold “Awata huge lanterns (Awata daitourou)” will parade around the shrine. On the next day, Shinkosai Festival will be held. People who hold Kenhoko, long-handled spears, and Mikoshi, portable shrines, will parade from Awata Shrine. On October 15th, Reitaisai Ritual will be held and the biggest festival will finally be over.

This festival is held for four days and you may enjoy Mikoshi, portable shrines, parading around the shrine, Bugaku, court dance and music, and more during the festival! There are various kinds of lanterns that move interestingly and long-handled spears that are about 7 - 8 meters are remarkable. Please feel free to join this festival!

In this event, Shinto priests and monks will welcome the divine spirit by walking around the stone called “Uryuseki” for three times.This Shinto ritual is a ceremony to give thanks to god of Awata who descended.

Highlight

Shinkosai Festival

Shinkosai Festival is held to give strength to shrine parishioners by parading around the area. On this day, more than 200 people will carry huge Mikoshi, portable shrines, around the town. Also, group of people who hold long-handled spears will purify the parade road by the spears. Although these spears weight about 40 - 60 kilogram and height about 7 - 8 meters, people who hold them balance well while parading.

Let's join !

Awata huge lanterns (Awata daitourou)

This event will be held before Yowatari Shinji (Shinto ritual). In recent years, university students in Kyoto create the lanterns by referring the myth and oral tradition. Please note that you cannot join this event. Please enjoy the beautiful lanterns with lights.

From Kyoto Station
Take Subway Karasuma Line and get off at Karasuma Oike Station.
Then Take Subway Tozai Line from Karasuma Oike and get off at Higashiyama Station. It takes about 7 minutes from Higashiyama Station (go toward east).

Event time

Oide Matsuri Festival 10pm on October 8th
Yowatari Shinji (Shinto ritual) 6pm on October 9th
Shinkosai Festival around 12:30pm on October 10th
Kankosai Festival around 6pm on October 10th
Reitaisai Ritual 11am on October 15th

Cancellations

Cancelled in case of typhoon

Fee

Free

Credit cards

Not accepted

Friendly for Overseas Visitors

Although staff don't speak English, brochure written in English (not entirely) is available.